Unit 1
Explanatory Myth
Overview of the Field
19th Century Interests
Focus on etiology (studying origins) and etymology (study of word origins).
Summary of Key Concepts
Mythology as a 19th Century Field of Study
The 19th century saw significant developments influenced by several key factors:
Science:
A systematic approach to knowledge, emphasizing testable explanations and predictions regarding the universe.
Comparison of myth to both natural and social sciences.
Colonialism:
Defined as the policies and practices through which one country extends and maintains authority over another for economic gain, such as labor and natural resources.
Euro-American Christian Missions:
Influence of Christian missions on the interpretation and understanding of myths.
Patterns in 19th Century Study of Myth
Myths were generally viewed in a few stereotypical lights:
Considered primitive or early, not modern.
Question: Do modern people have myths?
Tales from colonized societies labeled as false or mistaken.
Beliefs of colonized societies viewed as superstitions while colonizers' beliefs seen as true religion.
Impact on myth recording and understanding influenced by two main elements:
Colonialism and missionary efforts involved in governing populations.
Use of the scientific method to understand cause-effect relationships alongside the Industrial Revolution that applied this knowledge for material production.
Bierce’s Satirical Definition of Mythology
Ambrose Bierce’s definition from The Devil’s Dictionary:
“Mythology: 1. the body of primitive people’s beliefs concerning its origin, early history, heroes, deities, and so forth; 2. as distinct from the true accounts; 3. which it invents later.”
Main Points:
1. Standard 19th-century definitions centered on primitive beliefs.
2. Distinction between primitive beliefs and what is considered true accounts, highlighting Eurocentric perspectives.
3. Satire lies in claiming cultures invent "true accounts" later, implying all beliefs can be fictional.
Confusion in terminology:
(A) Fact refers to verifiable knowledge;
(B) Truth relates to values and belief systems.
Sir James Frazer and The Golden Bough
Frazer’s Definition of Myths:
"By myths I understand mistaken explanations of phenomena, whether of human life or of external nature."
Human Life encompasses rituals and practices.
External Nature relates to natural phenomena.
Such explanations stem from a curiosity matched with ignorance.
Important emphasis: If these explanations were true, they would no longer be considered myths.
The Literacy Test and Definitions of Myth
Definition from the American Heritage Dictionary:
“Myth: a traditional story originating in a PRELITERATE society, dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serve as primordial types in a primitive view of the world.”
Emphasizes the connection between myth and ‘primitive’ or preliterate societies, highlighting oral cultures.
The term primordial types relates to the archetypal interpretation of myths.
A primitive view is reflective of earlier definitions of mythology.
Explanation of Myths in the Context of Rationalizing Approaches
Max Müller’s Contribution:
Proposes that myths provide allegorical explanations for natural phenomena.
Example of True Myths: Gods represent aspects of nature.
Gaia symbolizes Earth; Uranus symbolizes Heaven (sky) which is later inherited by Zeus.
Myths are viewed as allegories of natural events.
Müller (1823-1900) was a prominent figure advocating this rationalization approach.
Euhemerism and the Interpretation of Myths
Euhemeros’ Theory:
Ancient Greek mythographer (ca. 316 BCE) who posited that myths were political propaganda originating from kings wishing to be revered as gods.
Example: Use of coins depicting historical figures like Alexander the Great and Ptolemy as gods to reinforce their god-like status in society.
Scientific Perspective on Explanatory Myths
Scientific Interpretation:
Explanatory myths are subject to verification (falsification).
Myths traditionally do not aim to formulate testable hypotheses, which is a hallmark of scientific inquiry in the 18th and 19th centuries.
European scholars often scrutinized the truthfulness of traditional myths.
Definitions of Etiology and Related Concepts
Etiology:
Originates from Greek aition meaning a cause. Refers to the study of causes and origins, especially in terms of phenomena.
Applications in other fields:
Medicine: The physical cause of bodily symptoms (e.g., disease).
Etiological (Adjective): Pertaining to a discourse explaining causes (e.g., myths).
Types of Explanations by Etiological Accounts:
Natural phenomena: Environmental elements and biological entities (e.g., stories explaining evolution).
Cultural phenomena: Rituals, ceremonies, and societal acts.
Etymology Defined
Etymology:
The study of the origin and historical changes of words.
Origin: Greek etymos meaning truth and logia meaning discourse.
Etymological (Adjective): Relates to the study of word origins and their evolving meanings.
Connection to storytelling, as etymology aids in rooting myths within cultural narratives.
Folklore in Etymological Tales
Folk Etymology:
Illustrated through a scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding:
Two types of etymologies presented: one accurate and another creative but incorrect.
The incorrect folk etymology reflects cultural significance rather than factual accuracy.
Folk etymologies commune collective feelings and cultural identity.
Conclusion: Seeds of Etiological Stories
Folk Etymologies:
Not factual but represent emotional truths, serving as a foundation for etiological narratives.
Example from My Big Fat Greek Wedding: the narrative of Toula’s marriage incorporates cultural folklore—drawing connections through etymologies.
Ancient Example Analysis:
Story of Daphne and Apollo serves as an iconic illustration of cultural narratives using mythological etymologies to explain natural and cultural phenomena.